Building permits in Ontario are governed by the Ontario Building Code Act, 1992 and the Ontario Building Code (O. Reg. 332/12, as amended). In Renfrew County, permit authority sits with individual municipalities — there is no county-level building department. Which office you approach depends entirely on where your property is located.
Starting work without a required permit exposes you to stop-work orders, mandatory demolition of non-compliant work, difficulty selling the property (permit history is visible on title), and potential insurance claim denials. The permit system protects you — inspections confirm that work meets minimum safety standards.
When Is a Permit Required?
Under the Ontario Building Code, a permit is required for any construction, renovation, addition, or change that affects the structure or key systems of a building. In practical terms for Renfrew County homeowners, this includes:
Roofing
Permits are typically not required for straight roof re-covering (replacing shingles on an existing roof structure in good condition) in most Renfrew County municipalities. However, a permit is required for:
- Structural changes to the roof (raising the ridge, changing the roof slope, adding dormers)
- Re-decking where the existing deck is removed and replaced
- Adding skylights or roof penetrations
When in doubt, contact the municipal building department — a 10-minute phone call confirms whether your project needs a permit. See our roofing guide for more on what professional roofers are required to do.
Foundation and Structural Work
Any work affecting the foundation requires a permit. This includes underpinning, footings for additions, waterproofing that involves excavation beside the foundation wall, and structural repairs. See our foundation repair guide for scope details.
Electrical Work
In Ontario, most electrical work requires an ESA (Electrical Safety Authority) permit — separate from and in addition to any municipal building permit. ESA permits are obtained through ESA directly (esasafe.com) or by the licensed electrical contractor. The building department is not the right contact for electrical permits; ESA is.
Common electrical work requiring permits: panel upgrades, new circuits, basement finishing, EV charger installation, additions, generator connections. See our electricians guide.
Well Drilling and Water Systems
New well drilling and replacement wells require permits under the MECP's well permitting process (O. Reg. 903). The permit is issued by the Ministry of the Environment, Conservation and Parks — not the municipal building department. The licensed well contractor typically handles this. Repairs to existing wells may not require a permit but must still be performed by a licensed contractor. See our well drilling guide.
Septic Systems
New septic system installation and replacement systems require a permit issued by the municipal building department under Part 8 of the Ontario Building Code and O. Reg. 358/09. In Renfrew County, this means applying to the building department of the municipality where the property sits. Soil tests, site evaluations, and a design by a qualified professional (SSSTS-designated or Professional Engineer) are part of the application package. See our septic systems guide.
Additions and Structural Changes
Any addition to a home — attached garage, sunroom, new storey, deck over 600 mm high — requires a building permit. Interior renovations that remove load-bearing walls, cut new window or door openings, or significantly alter fire separations also require permits.
HVAC Changes
Installing a new furnace or heat pump may require a building permit and a TSSA notification. Adding ductwork in a renovation typically triggers a permit if it's part of a larger permitted project. Confirm with your municipal building department.
Which Office Issues Permits in Renfrew County?
Renfrew County has no county-wide building department. Each municipality administers its own building department under the Building Code Act. The following municipalities each have their own building officials:
- City of Pembroke — Building Department, City Hall, 1 Pembroke Street East, Pembroke. Visit pembroke.ca for permit applications and fee schedules.
- Town of Petawawa — Building Department, Petawawa Municipal Office, 1111 Victoria Street, Petawawa. Visit petawawa.ca.
- Town of Renfrew — Building Department, 127 Raglan Street South, Renfrew. Visit renfrew.ca.
- Township of McNab/Braeside — Contact the McNab/Braeside Township Office for building permit inquiries. Visit mcnabbraeside.com.
- Township of Greater Madawaska — Township Office, 3673 Opeongo Road, Calabogie. Visit greatermadawaska.com.
- Township of Whitewater Region — Township Office, Cobden. Visit whitewaterregion.ca.
- Township of Admaston/Bromley — Township Office, Renfrew County.
- Township of Horton — Township Office, Renfrew County.
- Township of Bonnechere Valley — Township Office, Eganville. Visit bonnecherevalley.ca.
- Township of Killaloe, Hagarty and Richards — Township Office, Killaloe.
- Township of North Algona Wilberforce — Township Office, Golden Lake.
- Township of Laurentian Valley — Township Office, Pembroke. Visit laurentianvalley.ca.
- Municipality of Madawaska Valley — Municipal Office, Barry's Bay. Visit madawaskavalley.ca.
- Township of Brudenell, Lyndoch and Raglan — Township Office, Renfrew County.
For unorganized territories within Renfrew County, the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing provides building inspection services. If you are unsure which municipality your property falls within, check your property tax assessment notice or contact Renfrew County directly at countyofrenfrew.on.ca.
The Permit Application Process
While each municipality has its own forms and fee schedules, the general process follows the same structure under the Ontario Building Code Act:
- Pre-application consultation: For larger or complex projects, a pre-application meeting with the building official is worthwhile. It identifies any zoning or setback issues before you commit to a design.
- Application submission: Submit the completed permit application form, required drawings (site plan, floor plan, cross-sections where applicable), and applicable fee. For septic applications, add the soil test results and system design. Most Renfrew County municipalities now accept applications by email or in person.
- Review period: Under the Ontario Building Code Act, the building official must issue or refuse a permit within 10 business days for most residential projects and 15 business days for complex projects. In practice, smaller municipalities in Renfrew County may be faster or slower depending on staff capacity.
- Permit issuance and posting: Once issued, the permit must be posted visibly at the construction site. Work may not begin on permitted elements until the permit is in hand.
- Inspections: Most permits require one or more inspections during construction (e.g., footing inspection before pouring, framing inspection before insulating and drywalling, final inspection). It is the permit holder's responsibility to book inspections at the right stages — do not cover inspectable work until the inspection is done.
- Occupancy and sign-off: For additions and new construction, an Occupancy Permit confirms the work meets code. For smaller permits, the final inspection sign-off closes the permit file.
Fees
Permit fees in Renfrew County vary by municipality and project type. They are generally calculated based on the construction value or the floor area of the project. A modest residential addition might cost $300–$800 in permit fees; a new home permit runs higher. Contact the relevant building department for a fee estimate before budgeting.
Consequences of Unpermitted Work
Building without a required permit is an offence under the Building Code Act, 1992, with fines of up to $50,000 for individuals. Beyond fines:
- A building official can issue a stop-work order immediately, halting your project.
- You may be ordered to demolish or uncover unpermitted work at your own expense for inspection.
- Unpermitted work can complicate or block a real estate sale — buyers' lawyers search for open or non-closed permits.
- Insurance may deny claims arising from unpermitted work or modifications.
If you've purchased a property with suspected unpermitted work, consult the municipal building department about retroactive permitting or regularization options before beginning any additional work.